► Reiki Symbols: Meaning | How to use?

In addition to Reiki energy and the laying on of hands on the chakras, there is one more essential element in Reiki therapy: the Reiki healing symbols.

Reiki symbols and their meanings

Reiki symbols are like keys that open the doors of the vital energy flow of the Universe. When activated through intention, drawings or active imagination they quickly connect their users to this flow.

It is also possible to see Reiki symbols as buttons that, when pressed, automatically respond with a “pre-programmed” result. Reiki symbols carry with them codes, beliefs and intentions that help the user to obtain the intended results through the metaphysical energies they represent.

There are different types of Reiki and, over time, some masters have incorporated new symbols into their attunements.

Reiki Level 2 Symbols

In Mikao Usui’s traditional Reiki there are three symbols that are passed in a level 2 attunement: the power symbol (CHO-KU-REI), the mental/emotional symbol (SEI-HEI-KI) and the distance symbol (HON -SHA-ZE-SHO-NEN).

CHO-KU-REI

This symbol brings or releases energy creating balance. Represents the increase in power. It is the “button” connected to the physical body and, in addition to being a wonderful symbol of protection and preventing energy leakage, it is used to instill or reinforce energy.

It is the most used Reiki symbol because, in addition to connecting us with Reiki energy, it enhances the power of other symbols.

Depending on the Reiki master, this symbol is sometimes taught at level 1.

The meaning of the Cho-Ku-Rei is “Put all the power of the universe here”.

SEI-HEI-KI

Sei-Hei-Ki is the symbol of healing emotions and transforming negative feelings into positive ones, it is the symbol of harmony and protection and represents the alchemical process of purification and cleansing.

It is widely used to balance exaggerated feelings and clear those that are being repressed, but it is a very versatile symbol and has several other functions, such as treating obsession processes – the famous spiritual backrests.

The meaning of the Sei-Hei-Ki symbol is “key to the Universe” or “man and God become one”.

HON-SHA-ZE-SHO-NEN

Also known as the distance Reiki symbol, this symbol represents distant healing, bringing healing to past and present traumas. It is the “button” connected to the mental body. Past lives and karma are released through Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen. Liberation is permanent and the need for reincarnation disappears.

Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen means “The Buddha in me reaches out to the Buddha in you to promote light and peace.”

Reiki Level 3 Symbols

In the Reiki Level 3 course, the Reikiano receives the symbol of the master to further enhance their capabilities.

Image source: florcruz community

DAI-KOO-MYO

The Dai-Koo-Myo is the symbol of master, achievement and empowerment and can be translated as “God shine upon me and be my friend”.

With this symbol, the Reiki practitioner comes into contact with the Divine and can transmit this energy and consciousness to the patient and to himself.

With this extremely powerful and positive energy it is possible to potentiate the effect of level 2 symbols and put the physical self in contact with the higher self.

It is also through Dai-Koo-Myo that a Master initiates a student into Reiki, opening their crown chakra to the energy.

Reiki Symbols Focus

As we can see, each of the Reiki symbols focus on different energy fields in the body (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual):

• Cho-Ku-Rei: physical and etheric body
• Sei-He-Ki: Emotional Body
• Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen: mental field
• Dai-Koo-Myo: spirit body

It is important to remember that to use the Reiki symbols it is necessary to take the course. Without study and correct knowledge, symbols will have no effect.

Traditional Reiki has only 4 symbols, but other strands make use of many others. For example, more than 20 symbols exist in Amadeus Shamanic Reiki, based on Tupi-Guaranis elements.